Question 1

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, also known as 'Broken Heart Syndrome,' is most accurately described as:

Accepted Answer

A temporary weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle in response to sudden emotional or physical stress.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the function of the portal system in the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

It consists of two capillary beds joined in series.

Question 3

Blood flows through the cardiovascular system primarily because:

Accepted Answer

Liquids move from regions of high pressure to low pressure.

Question 4

According to Poiseuille’s Law, which change would most dramatically increase blood flow through a vessel?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the radius of the vessel by a factor of two (since $$R \propto \frac{1}{r^4$}).$$

Question 5

A patient is experiencing severe hypotension due to vasodilation but has a normal blood volume. This is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Relative hypovolemia

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a correct pairing?

Accepted Answer

Narrow end of the heart that points downward → base

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why the refractory period in cardiac muscle is almost as long as the muscle twitch?

Accepted Answer

To prevent tetanus and ensure the heart can fill with blood between contractions.

Question 8

During the T wave of an ECG, which event is occurring?

Accepted Answer

Both ventricles are repolarizing.

Question 9

If the cross-sectional area of a blood vessel is $$3\ \mathrm{cm}^2$$ and the flow rate is $$12\ \mathrm{cm}^3/\mathrm{min}$$, what is the velocity of flow?

Accepted Answer

$$v = 4\ \mathrm{cm}/\mathrm{min}$$

Question 10

Which of the following is a direct result of an incompetent (insufficient) heart valve?

Accepted Answer

Blood flows backward into the atria, causing a swishing sound.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the sequence of electrical conduction in the heart?

Accepted Answer

SA node → internodal pathways → AV node → AV bundle → bundle branches → Purkinje fibers

Question 12

A patient’s ECG shows an absence of P waves and unorganized electrical activity in their place. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Atrial fibrillation

Question 13

Which formula correctly represents cardiac output?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Question 14

A patient has an end-diastolic volume (EDV) of 120 mL and an end-systolic volume (ESV) of 50 mL. What is their stroke volume?

Accepted Answer

70 mL

Question 15

Which of the following would most likely result from a defective AV node causing a total heart block?

Accepted Answer

The ventricles beat at their own intrinsic rate, which is too slow to maintain adequate circulation.

Question 16

Which of the following is a common mechanism to control blood flow to different areas of the body?

Accepted Answer

Vasodilation and vasoconstriction of blood vessels

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the action potentials of cardiac contractile cells?

Accepted Answer

They include a plateau phase due to Ca$$^{2+}$$ influx.

Question 18

Which of the following would most likely be the heart rate if the bundle of His took over as the pacemaker?

Accepted Answer

25 bpm

Question 19

Which of the following is the primary driving force for blood flow in the arteries during heart relaxation?

Accepted Answer

Mean arterial pressure (MAP)

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the effect of ventricular fibrillation on cardiac output?

Accepted Answer

No cardiac output

Cardiovascular Physiology: Structure, Function, and Clinical Applications

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